Shivpal had an hour-long discussion with Mulayam at his residence on Monday evening.

Talking to HT, Shivpal Yadav said, “There was no crisis in the party, I had a discussion with ‘netaji’ (Mulayam) on various issues. He addressed my objections about the working of officers.”

In reply to a question Shivpal said, “I stand by my earlier statement. Some SP leaders are indulging in land grabbing and the illicit liquor business. Their illegal act is bringing disrepute to the party. As in-charge of the (party in the) state, it’s my duty to raise the issue and rein in the immoral leaders.”

Shivpal is considered the second most powerful SP leader in the state government. He was embarrassed when Akhilesh Yadav had annulled the merger of the Quami Ekta Dal (QED) led by gangster-turned politician Mukhtar Ansari. Shivpal had played a pivotal role in the merger and was sulking since then. When asked about the fate of the merger, he replied that the party chief would decide on the issue. Sources in the SP said the merger of the QED with the SP would be announced soon.

Quizzed about his criticism of bureaucrats, Shivpal Yadav said, “I have directed the officers to check exploitation of the common people at police stations and tehsil offices. No respite was provided to the people even after repeated orders. A statewide drive will be launched against the land grabbers and strict action will be taken against them. The district unit presidents have been told to meet the DMs and SPs to redress the grievances of the workers,” he said.

A senior SP leader said, “With assembly election due early next year, the party could not afford an internal crisis at this crucial juncture. Shivpal is known for his organisational skills and election strategy. Mulayam Singh Yadav is likely to give him a free hand to gear up the cadre for the election.”